Match Report
UNITED distant Champions League dream came to an abrupt frustrating end as they were beaten 1-0 by Fulham at Elland Road on Saturday
David O'Leary's side who were disappointing throughout the game with strikers Robbie Keane and Robbie Fowler both missing good chances, were beaten by a second-half goal by Steed Malbranque.
With Newcastle winning at home to Charlton, Leeds are now destined for UEFA Cup football after a frustrating afternoon against the London side who are now almost guaranteed Premiership survival.
United skipper Rio Ferdinand returned after a four week absence through injury, as Leeds made two changes to the side that won at Aston Villa last weekend.
Gary Kelly dropped to the bench with striker Mark Viduka surprisingly left out so Robbie Fowler returned to partner Robbie Keane in attack.
United threatened early on through an Ian Harte free-kick which Fulham keeper Ed van der Sar did well to punch clear and a **** by Danny Mills from the edge of the area which went wide.
But Fulham too had chances as Steed Malbranque shot over the bar from 20 yards out and Ferdinand twice had to mop up at the back as Leeds got themselves into a bit of a tangle under pressure from Louis Saha and Steve Marlet.
Despite there being a lot at stake for both clubs the game had a decidedly end of season feel about it as both sides getting bogged down in midfield and passes going astray all too often.
Keane shot straight at van der Sar from the edge of the area and Fowler had the ball in the net as he tapped home from five yards, but referee Rob Styles ruled the goal out for Lee Bowyer's challenge on the Fulham keeper as both players challenged for Harte's cross from the left.
On 27 minutes Harte popped up on the right to deliver a great ball to the far post but Keane sliced his shot well wide.
At the other end Sean Davies and Saha linked well to create an opening on the edge of the area but the French striker shot straight at Martyn.
The disappointing first-half ended with a simmering feud between Alan Smith and Rufus Brevett which brought a stern lecture for both players, but the clearest chance came four minutes before the interval and fell to Keane who was sent racing clear, advanced into the area, but slid his shot wide with only van der Sar to beat.
On the stroke of half-time Smith's cross fell invitingly for Fowler but he too squandered the chance to put Leeds ahead as he headed straight at the Fulham keeper from only six yards out.
It got worse for Leeds after the break when Fulham took the lead on 53 minutes as David Batty was receiving treatment when United were defending a corner.
Some slack defending had already gifted the visitors a sight of goal but when the danger wasn't cleared Malbranque drove goalwards with his left foot from the left of the area and the ball flew low past Martyn who may have been unsighted.
Keane had a chance to grab an immediate equaliser when he latched onto Fowler chipped pass but van der Sar was quickly of his line to snuff out the opening as the Leeds striker tried to lift the ball over the Dutch international.
United went close again when Smith drove the ball across the face of goal but neither Fowler or Keane could apply the final touch. The two Leeds strikers then had a further opportunity but Keane delayed his pass and when the ball did arrive for Fowler he shot over the bar from ten yards.
The squandered chances summed up a poor afternoon for United who now must focus on plans for their next campaign leaving only the chance to snatch fifth place from Chelsea over their remaining two fixtures.
www.leedsunited.com Man of the Match - Rio Ferdinand.
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This loss don't really bother me too much, it would have been nice to take over Chelsea. But we still get UEFA Cup so all is good...
